June 6 (Bloomberg) -- London offers no shortage of choice
when it comes to business dining.

There’s been a trend toward informality in the past couple
of years and a focus on value, yet it’s still easy to find
traditional establishments where conversations are hushed and
mobile phones are silent.

What: The new London restaurant of chef Jason Atherton, who
created the popular Maze for his former mentor, Gordon Ramsay.

Why: Atherton is one of the U.K.’s most creative chefs,
known for his innovative dishes served in tapas-sized portions.
This contemporary bistro is exciting in culinary terms and fun
because Atherton focuses on the social side of dining.

Why: Has been serving gourmet French food since 1967 and is
known for flawless service to match the fine food of Michel Roux
Jr. It is one of London’s finest restaurants and one of very few
with a dress code: male diners are required to wear a jacket.
Best not to try making calls on your mobile phone.

Where: In the heart of Mayfair, close to the U.S. Embassy.

When: There’s a great value set lunch for 50 pounds ($82),
including wine, though you may need to book weeks ahead.

Why: The Irish chef Richard Corrigan is known as a master
of hospitality and his new restaurant has a warm, clubby feel.
The menu is seasonal with first-class ingredients and the prices
are reasonable for Mayfair.

Where: Just off Park Lane.

When: Best for dinner and drinks.

Bar: Yes, for up to 20 guests, with its own menu.

Private Room: Yes, with seating for up to 30. There’s also
a smaller club room beside the kitchen.

What: The new British brasserie of chef Marcus Wareing, who
holds two Michelin stars at Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley.

Why: Wareing’s menu is based on traditional British dishes
such as rib of beef and Kentish pigeon in a pot, prepared with
excellent ingredients and modern cooking techniques. It’s the
comfort food of a perfectionist.

Where: At St Pancras railway station in a fantastic
Victorian Gothic building that appears in “Harry Potter.” It’s
handy for the Eurostar.

When: Day or night.

Bar: One of the big attractions of the Gilbert Scott, with
high, ornately painted ceilings and dramatic bell chandeliers.

What: Modern European restaurant owned by brothers Chris
and Jeff Galvin, two of the most popular chefs in London.

Why: The dining room, housed in a high-ceilinged 19th-century hall is one of the most dramatic in London, while the
quality of the cooking is high. The adjoining Galvin Cafe a Vin
is ideal for more casual dining.

Where: In Spitalfields market, on the edge of the City.

When: La Chapelle is impressive enough to invite customers
and reasonably priced for meals with friends.

Why: Francesco Mazzei is one of London’s finest chefs and
this is one of the city’s most beautiful restaurants. It’s
designed by Claudio Silvestrin, the architect responsible for
Armani stores. It’s popular with business diners.

Where: On the edge of the City financial district.

When: It’s busy night and day.

Bar: The bar is one of L’Anima’s prime attractions and
draws crowds of City folk.

Private Room: Yes, for up to 14 people. It’s luxurious,
with a large marble table and Philippe Starck chairs.

Why: Claude Bosi is beloved by London foodies. His dishes,
such as suckling pig with sea urchin, kohlrabi and fondant sweet
potato are individual and intriguing. Of course, you might not
like them. There’s no comfort food on the menu.

Where: Close to the stores of Regent Street and Mayfair.

When: Fine for lunch or dinner. There’s a private room
downstairs for 18-30, or the restaurant is good for smaller
groups.